Casilla talks about collision

The Orioles announced that they officially released infielder Wilson Betemit, who was designated for assignment on Sept. 16.

Alexi Casilla remains with the team, but he may not play again this season.

Casilla underwent a CT scan yesterday in St. Petersburg, Fla., after slamming his head into right fielder Nick Markakis’ leg while diving for a shallow fly ball. The Orioles held their bus in case Casilla was cleared to fly back to Baltimore.

Casilla sat at his locker this afternoon and took questions from reporters. He also tried to piece together the events that led to his dizziness later in the game.

“Just a little confused about what happened,” he said. “I still don’t remember what happened. I still don’t remember catching that ball. I stayed in the game. I don’t remember staying in the game. I just remember I was in the clubhouse and I asked myself, ‘What am I doing here?’

“Somebody told me that I had a collision, so I went to the video room and watched the replay and I was like, ‘Oh my God.’ “

Doctors allowed Casilla to board the team charter for the flight home.

“They said I was all right,” he said. “I lost that time, that space.”

Casilla had his right thumb wrapped after jamming it in the turf at Tropicana Field, further reducing the chances that he could play tonight. He also admitted to still being a bit lightheaded and foggy.

“I don’t think so,” he said about the chances of playing. “My thumb kind of hurts. I’ve got my thumb, too. I don’t know how. They’re going to check it out now.

“It’s getting better. Just a little sore in my neck. I’ll be fine.”

Asked if he could play by Sunday, Casilla said, “I don’t know. I’m not playing today for sure.”

Casilla thought he should have been credited with catching Wil Myers’ fly ball. Two runs scored on the single.